Parents who want to hand out individual treats
You want to count everything out in advance and give each child a similar treat. A pack of Dutch egg cakes or mini egg cakes suits this approach, provided the ingredients are suitable for the group.
Who is each option best for?
Parents planning a party table or a present for the birthday child
You’re looking for something to share or give as a present, rather than one identical treat for every child. The main things to consider are who the box of chocolates is for and how many individual portions you want to get from it.
Parents who need to check allergies and group rules
You need to know what the children are allowed to eat and what the school or after-school club permits. Always check the exact pack, as both Dutch egg cakes and assorted chocolates can contain allergens.
What should you look for when choosing?
First decide whether you’ll be handing out one treat per child or looking for a box to share. Then check that the product you’ve chosen meets the group’s requirements and provides the right quantity.
Dutch egg cakes
Choose these if: you want to set aside a known number of cakes for each child.
Bear in mind: the ingredients in the exact variety you choose. An egg cake isn’t automatically suitable for every child with an allergy.
Box of chocolates
Choose this if: the box is a present or will be shared, and equal portions are less important.
Bear in mind: the different ingredients in an assortment and how many pieces are actually suitable for the group.
| What to consider | What to check when buying | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Portions and handing out | Compare the number of items or suitable portions with the number of children. | I want to give every child a pre-counted treat without having to divide anything up at the party. This convenience is the top priority for around 36% of consumers. |
| Allergens and rules | Ask about any restrictions and the school or after-school club’s rules, then check the current label. | If not every child can eat the same things, I want to know what’s suitable for the group and venue before I buy. This is the most important requirement for around 29% of consumers. |
| Present and variety | Decide who the box is for, and check the number of pieces, varieties and allergens. | If I’m buying a present or putting food out on a party table, I’m more likely to look for an assortment than identical cakes. Around 21% of consumers prioritise this need. |
| Quantity and leftovers | Count the portions you need and check whether the pack is the right size. | For a small group, I want to have enough ready without ending up with lots left over. Getting the quantity right matters most to around 14% of consumers. |
Common mistakes
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Assuming an egg cake is a safe choice for every child
According to Bolletje, the Bolletje Brosse Eierkoek reviewed contains, among other things, egg, milk, soya and cereals containing gluten. The type of product alone tells you nothing about whether it’s suitable for a specific allergy.
Ask in advance about any restrictions and read the label on the exact variety you plan to hand out.
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Choosing a large box of chocolates before you know the group
An assortment may contain ingredients that aren’t suitable for every child. The quantity you need also depends on whether the box is a present or will be put out for everyone to share.
Count the portions, decide who they’re for, then check the ingredients and allergens in the box you’ve chosen.
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Assuming a product listing guarantees it’s in stock
A product appearing in an online range doesn’t mean it’ll be available when you’re ready to buy.
Check availability when you place your order and decide what other type of product could work for the party.
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Comparing pack weight alone
A heavier pack doesn’t tell you how many individual treats you can hand out. The pieces in an assortment may also vary.
Compare the number of portions suitable for the group and allow for the possibility of leftovers.
Brands and shops to explore
Bolletje
Bolletje is worth considering if you’re looking for Dutch egg cakes, including its Brosse Eierkoek.
- Albert Heijn also lists a Bolletje Brosse eierkoek with milk in its range of Dutch egg cakes.
- According to Bolletje, the Brosse Eierkoek reviewed contains, among other things, egg, milk, soya and cereals containing gluten. Check the allergens in the variety you choose.
Verkade
Verkade Choco Wolken is a chocolate biscuit product for anyone considering a biscuit-style alternative.
- Verkade describes a pack containing three 35 g portions, with biscuit, cream and milk chocolate.
- Verkade states that this product may contain peanuts, almonds and egg. Check the current packaging before handing it out.
Albert Heijn
Albert Heijn is a shop where you can compare Dutch egg cakes and chocolate gifts as different types of product.
- The egg cake range shown includes mini egg cakes and a Bolletje variety.
- Albert Heijn advises customers to read the packaging before eating, as online product information may change.
Jumbo
Jumbo lists both Dutch egg cakes and chocolate gifts, so you can compare packs for individual treats with sharing or gift boxes.
- The egg cake range includes packs of ten standard or ten mini egg cakes.
- Check current availability and the label for the variety you choose. Simply seeing a product type listed isn’t enough to know whether it’s suitable for the group.
ALDI
ALDI lists merci Finest Selection, 250 g, as a chocolate gift.
- This assorted box is a good fit as a present for the birthday child or for sharing.
- Check availability and the ingredients on the pack before choosing it for the group.
Chocolate products and biscuits at Joybuy
These products are chocolates to hand out or biscuits with chocolate. They aren’t Dutch egg cakes or boxes of chocolates, so compare the pack format with the way you plan to hand out treats or give a present.
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Smarties Milk Chocolate Tubes, 6 x 34 g
The six individual tubes are easy to count out in advance. They’re chocolates to hand out, not a box of chocolates. The product description lists milk, wheat and barley as allergens. Check the current label and the group’s requirements.
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Milka Choco Wafer Milk, 180 g
The six individually wrapped wafers can be counted out, but they aren’t Dutch egg cakes or a box of chocolates. The product description lists milk, soya, wheat and gluten; egg and nuts may also be present. Check the label and best-before date before buying.
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Nestle Kitkat Itoen Matcha & Chocolate, 9 pieces, 104,4 g
Nine individually wrapped 11.6 g bars make it easy to count portions in advance. Matcha is a distinctive flavour, so consider whether it’ll suit the group. The product description lists wheat, milk and soya, and says it’s made on equipment that also processes egg, almonds and sesame. Check the label and best-before date.
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M&M's Minis Milk Chocolate More To Share, 176 g
This bag is suited to sharing: the product description lists four 44 g portions, not four individually wrapped treats. According to the description, the product contains milk and soya and may contain peanuts. Decide how you’ll portion it out and check the current label.
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Lu Scholiertje Milk Chocolate Biscuits, 150 g
According to the product description, these milk chocolate biscuits are wrapped in pairs. Check how many of these portions are in the pack before buying for a group. The description lists milk, wheat, soya and cereals containing gluten; nuts may also be present.
Frequently asked questions
Should I ask about allergies before a children’s party?
Yes. Before choosing a treat, ask whether any children can’t or don’t want to eat certain products. The Netherlands Nutrition Centre advises taking allergies into account when choosing party treats, as well as foods that children avoid for religious reasons. Then read the label on the pack you’ve chosen.
Can I hand out a box of chocolates at school?
That depends on the school’s rules and on the children the chocolates are for. Ask what you’re allowed to bring in, and check the ingredients and allergens in the specific box before buying it.
Are Dutch egg cakes suitable for a child with an allergy?
Don’t assume they are. According to Bolletje, the Brosse Eierkoek reviewed contains, among other things, egg, milk, soya and cereals containing gluten. Check the exact variety and, if a child has an allergy, ask their parent or carer what’s suitable for them.
Can I rely on the ingredients listed online?
Use online information to compare products, but check the packaging before eating them too. Albert Heijn points out that ingredients, nutritional information and allergy details can change.